Expedition Rims?
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Expedition Rims?
Hello, I have a '98 XLT Expedition that I picked up recently. It does not have a spare tire or rim at all. Just a big empty spot for one underneath. What I need to know is what all years of Ford truck rims have the same bolt pattern as this vehicle? It has the stock 17" rims on it now and I will be looking for a 17" spare rim. Would a '03/'04 etc rim have the same bolt pattern? Any idea where I can find some cheap rims on the net to use as a spare that would fit this thing?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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From: OK
You'll want a rim from a '97-'02 F150 or Expedition. Note that the lug bolt size change during the '01 model years, so if you get an '01 or newer rim, the holes will be slightly larger than those on the other rims of your '98.
Rims from the '03+ Expedition are 6-bolt whereas your Expy has a 5-bolt pattern.
For a single rim, I'd check local salvage yards or wheel shops. They'll probably be cheaper since you won't have to pay shipping.
Rims from the '03+ Expedition are 6-bolt whereas your Expy has a 5-bolt pattern.
For a single rim, I'd check local salvage yards or wheel shops. They'll probably be cheaper since you won't have to pay shipping.
Last edited by NoMo; Mar 4, 2005 at 08:04 AM.
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Is the tire winch still present? The cable should have a metal tab at the end that has to be threaded through the center hole in the rim. These tabs can break off and allow the spare to take a permanent vacation.
When Ford enlarged the bolt holes for newer Expys, they also discontinued the style of the 17" aluminum rim used up to that point. If the spare rim you pick up looks like the road wheels currently on your Expy, it's a perfect fit.
BTW, Don't forget that the F-150 of this era also offered this rim as an option.
When Ford enlarged the bolt holes for newer Expys, they also discontinued the style of the 17" aluminum rim used up to that point. If the spare rim you pick up looks like the road wheels currently on your Expy, it's a perfect fit.
BTW, Don't forget that the F-150 of this era also offered this rim as an option.
Last edited by PaulC; Mar 4, 2005 at 02:42 PM.
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Originally Posted by PaulC
Is the tire winch still present? The cable should have a metal tab at the end that has to be threaded through the center hole in the rim. These tabs can break off and allow the spare to take a permanent vacation.
Thanks for the replies guys!
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From: wisconsin
expedition rims
I read above that the lug size is a little larger on the 2001 year trucks i have a 1998 exped with stock 17 " rims im looking at a set of rims off a 2002 f-150 same size tires but my question is does anybody know if the bolt pattern is the same?...and if the lugs holes are slightly larger is it ok to put them on ?
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From: Greely, Ontario - Canada
Triggstp;
Bolt patterns are the same but...
Expys (and F150's) from 2000 and up have 14mm lug studs, 1998-1999 have 12 mm studs. You do not want to use the newer wheels on your older truck as the fit will not be proper. At the least you will have balance and vibration issues... at worse the wheel could easily cause damage to the studs and come detached...
Eric
Bolt patterns are the same but...
Expys (and F150's) from 2000 and up have 14mm lug studs, 1998-1999 have 12 mm studs. You do not want to use the newer wheels on your older truck as the fit will not be proper. At the least you will have balance and vibration issues... at worse the wheel could easily cause damage to the studs and come detached...
Eric
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From: Tucson
If it was a fleet vechile there is a chance that it never had a spare tire or the winch that is used to store it. Is there a bottle jack? If not are the holes present above where the tire would go for the cable winch to mount.
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Postmaster
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From: OK
I ran '00 F150 rims with 14mm holes on our '97 Expy for two years and several thousand miles (including a good bit of off-roading) with no ill effects at all... even with over-sized tires.
OEM rims are hub-centric; so the lugs don't 'center' the wheel nor do they support any weight of the vehicle. The lug nuts simply clamp the rim to the hub. With proper torque, my rims didn't move enough to cause any issues.
OEM rims are hub-centric; so the lugs don't 'center' the wheel nor do they support any weight of the vehicle. The lug nuts simply clamp the rim to the hub. With proper torque, my rims didn't move enough to cause any issues.
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From: wisconsin
thats good to hear because i just bought the rims a bit ago and mounted them on the truck tonight they run smooth and no vibration at all ill check them after in the morning and make sure the lugs are tight.
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From: Greely, Ontario - Canada
Wow, not sure I would be willing to take that risk but if it works for you then go for it.
Just some food for thought based on past experience (not with a Ford)... if you are involved in an accident and your insurance company determines that you are running parts that the manufacturer (Ford) expressely states are not made for, or are not to be installed on your vehicle, you could be held responsible or have your claim denied...
Not trying to sound like I'm preaching, just adding in some food for thought...
Eric
P.S. Althought the rims are hub centric, under loaded acceleration or heavy braking if the lug holes are not snug the rim can rotate forwards and backwards slightly against the studs possibly causing wear and tear etc. Just loosen the lugs and try to rotate the tire back and forth and you will see what I mean. At the very least if your going to run these units, make sure your rim is snugged up against the studs in the direction of the braking forces...
Just some food for thought based on past experience (not with a Ford)... if you are involved in an accident and your insurance company determines that you are running parts that the manufacturer (Ford) expressely states are not made for, or are not to be installed on your vehicle, you could be held responsible or have your claim denied...
Not trying to sound like I'm preaching, just adding in some food for thought...
Eric
P.S. Althought the rims are hub centric, under loaded acceleration or heavy braking if the lug holes are not snug the rim can rotate forwards and backwards slightly against the studs possibly causing wear and tear etc. Just loosen the lugs and try to rotate the tire back and forth and you will see what I mean. At the very least if your going to run these units, make sure your rim is snugged up against the studs in the direction of the braking forces...
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I don't know for sure if Ford has done this, but I know that standard engineering practice would be to design so that a new part would not fit on an older vehicle if, to use it in that manner would be unsafe;...too big a chance somebody wouldn't read the instructions!
